Background The majority of stroke survivors have to cope with deficits in arm function, which is often measured with subjective clinical scales. The objective of this study is to examine whether circle drawing metrics are suitable objective outcome measures for measuring upper extremity function of stroke survivors. Methods Stroke survivors (n = 16) and healthy subjects (n = 20) drew circles, as big and as round as possible, above a table top. Joint angles and positions were measured. Circle area and roundness were calculated, and synergistic movement patterns were identified based on simultaneous changes of the elevation angle and elbow angle. Results Stroke survivors had statistically significant lower values for circle area, roundness and joint excursions, compar-ed to healthy subjects. Stroke survivors moved significantly more within synergistic movement patterns, compared to healthy sub-jects. Strong correlations between the proximal upper extremity part of the Fugl-Meyer scale and circle area, roundness, joint ex-cursions and the use of synergistic movement patterns were found. Conclusions The present study showed statistically significant differences in circle area, roundness and the use of synergistic movement patterns between healthy subjects and stroke survivors. These circle metrics are strongly correlated to stroke severity, as indicated by the proximal upper extremity part of the FM score.

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

Комментарии